Charting New Horizons: LUMS Alum's Inspiring Chevening Scholarship Achievement
Simrah Zafar, a BSc Management Science '22 graduate from the Suleman Dawood of Business School, has been selected as a Chevening Scholar for 2024-25. She will pursue her postgraduate studies at the Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.
Commenting on her award, Simrah said, “Achieving the Chevening Scholarship and being accepted to study at the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge is a dream come true. It’s a moment of profound joy and pride to know that I am among the 2% of applicants worldwide who were selected. This achievement is not mine alone; it is a testament to the support system around me—my family, friends, and the LUMS faculty and alumni who believed in me and helped me every step of the way. It’s a surreal experience, filling me with immense gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead.”
Simrah credits much of her success to her time at LUMS. The rigorous education and diverse perspectives she encountered there helped her develop essential skills and inspired her to confidently pursue her goals. The strong support network from faculty members, including Dr. Muhammad Tayyab, Ms. Gulalai Khan, and Mr. Usama Waheed, was crucial in her journey. A guest lecture by Ms. Tania Aidrus, organised by Ms. Gulalai, sparked her interest in technology and led her to work at Rayn, which was key to her successful application. For those considering competitive scholarships like Chevening, her advice is to believe in yourself, build strong relationships, and dream big.
Reflecting on her LUMS experience, she remarked, “LUMS has been more than just an educational institution for me; it has been the foundation of my journey—academically, professionally, and personally. The diverse expertise of my instructors opened my eyes to various career possibilities and inspired me to pursue my passions. The holistic and rigorous education I received at LUMS equipped me with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are indispensable for success in any field. Beyond the classroom, the vibrant intellectual environment and the community of passionate professors ignited a deep sense of curiosity in me. LUMS has left an indelible mark on my life, and I will always carry its lessons with me, attributing much of my success to the nurturing environment it provided.”
As she begins her studies at Cambridge, Simrah aims to use her knowledge to drive meaningful change, particularly in addressing social challenges through technology.
Congratulations, Simrah, on this outstanding achievement! We look forward to your future contributions and impact.